CHAT News File Photo

By Darren Rathwell

Local concerns over potential new police force in Alberta

Jan 13, 2022 | 3:22 PM

BROOKS, AB – The province continues to look at creating an Alberta provincial police force, and the mayor of Brooks is calling for change on how the United Conservative government is approaching the issue.

Justice Minister Kaycee Madu will be in Brooks later this month to talk with city councillors, with the possible replacement of RCMP up for discussion.

But Brooks Mayor John Petrie says he’s concerned the public isn’t involved in that meeting. He says Albertans should have more of a say on the RCMP’s future in the province.

“(RCMP are) a big expense. The expense falls back on the public. It’s their tax dollars. And not only does it affect the people in Brooks. We have outlying communities whether it be Bassano, or Duchess or, you know, the outlying communities in our region. So I think it’s important for the public to know the pros and cons of it.”

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Petrie also says the City of Brooks has a good relationship with RCMP, and notes they report on their activities directly to city council on a frequent basis.

He also has concerns with how cost-effective changing to a provincial police force would be.

The union for RCMP members will be in the area next week to talk about the Mounties possibly being replaced, during a pair of meetings in Medicine Hat and Brooks on Jan. 20.

Madu’s meeting with Brooks city council is slated for later in the month.